Meijer store near Traverse City receives nod; final vote looms

MLive.com file photoA giant J is moved into place before the opening of one of Meijer's stores.

ACME TOWNSHIP - A proposed Meijer store in the Traverse City-area community received conceptual approval by the Township Board during a Wednesday evening board meeting that wrapped just after midnight today.

The board unanimously approved the mixed-used development the supercenter will anchor, according to an Associated Press story.

A final vote will take place at the township's March 6 board meeting where project amendments will be considered.

The approval marks an end to a decade-long effort by Meijer Inc. to build a store in Acme Township. Opposition swelled up in 2004 over store plans, and the Walker-based Meijer later paid $190,000 in fines for violating campaign finance laws after it was revealed the company funded a 2007 attempt to recall members of the Acme Township board over the zoning dispute.

Last year, a Traverse County prosecutor ended a long-time investigation into whether Meijer employees and officers committed perjury during an investigation of campaign finance laws. He said there was enough evidence to bring charges.